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Singing Luther's "Ein feste Burg" in the early Dutch Revolt200 views
Author
Hengst, Tyler, History - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisors
Lambert, Erin
Abstract
Martin Luther's famous battle hymn "Ein feste Burg" was adopted by Dutch songwriters through the early Revolt period (1566-1582). This paper considers the melody’s usage in the mid-to-late sixteenth century Dutch language. Ein feste Burg’s appearance in Dutch Revolt-era songbooks not only transcends a language barrier, but it highlights the relationship between contrafacture, confession, and Luther’s legacy. Through a textual and melodic analysis, Ein feste Burg provides contemporary insight into Dutch Reformation-era popular culture and social upheaval.
Degree
MA (Master of Arts)
Keywords
Dutch Revolt; Reformation; Martin Luther; Contrafacture; Calvinism
Hengst, Tyler. Singing Luther's "Ein feste Burg" in the early Dutch Revolt. University of Virginia, History - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, MA (Master of Arts), 2025-04-30, https://doi.org/10.18130/ggnj-7q02.
